Horizon fitness Comfort R bike vs Nordictrack ACT elliptical
This is a comparison of the Horizon fitness comfort R recumbent bike and the Nordictrack ACT elliptical including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.
If you want the most up to date news or ask direct questions, then you can follow me on Instagram.
Overview and review of the NordicTrack ACT commercial 1299
Overview of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The
ACT commercial is one of the most compact ellipticals which Nordictrack has in its portfolio. Its main features are a 10kg flywheel, 5-inch display, and a 22-inch stride. The full list of features covers:
- 5" Backlit Display
- iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
- Integrated Tablet Holder
- Auxiliary Music Port
- Two 2” Digitally-amplified Speakers
- Center Drive
- 18" – 22" Adjustable Stride
- 10 KG Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
- 24 Digital Resistance Levels
- OneTouch® Controls
- EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
- 135 Kg User Weight Capacity
- Soft Touch™ Upper Body Grips
- Adjustable Oversized Cushion Pedals
- AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
- Water Bottle Holder
- Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
- 32 On-board Workouts
- 165cm L x 81cm W x 162cm H Footprint
- Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase
This is the machine to get for small spaces if you want the experience of an elliptical.
Pros of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The main and probably only reason to get this machine is because of its compact design. If you desperately want an elliptical and want to fit it in a tight spot, the
ACT commercial is the machine for you.
Cons of the NordicTrack ACT commercial
- High price for a small elliptical
- Age of the model
The
ACT commercial is one of the models of Nordictrack which is supported in the Uk but not in the US. This is not a great sign for the future of this model as Nordictrack HQ is situated in the US. If you want an elliptical and have space available you are probably better off to get a model out of the FS series which is available in both countries to protect your investment.
Alternatives to the NordicTrack ACT commercial
If you want a compact treadmill instead of an elliptical the
S25 with a 3.5 CHP motor might be for you. It comes in at the same price as the
ACT and has a powerful motor to put a lot of miles on it. The only downside to the S series is that it is also likely to be discontinued once stocks worldwide have been depleted as the US does not actively sell the model anymore.
If you want an elliptical with an incline and have more space you can go for the
C7.5 instead of the
ACT commercial. This elliptical provides up to a 20% incline at the same cost of the
ACT. The trade-off is that it is heavier and needs more space. By going with the
C7.5 you will also move below 1000 for purchasing your cardio machine.
Another option is the
Concept 2 model D rower if you do not want to stand while exercising. The c
oncept 2 model d has been around for a long time in different iterations and can be found in most gyms around the world, If you want a reliable rowing machine for your home or commercial gym, this is the one to go for.
My personal favorite is the
Rogue echo bike for any kind of home gym scenario.
Rogue came up with a solid, compact, and sturdy design for an airbike and put a super competitive price tag on it. It will be hard to find an airbike at the same price which is built like a tank.
Summary for the NordicTrack ACT commercial
The
ACT commercial is a great option for limited space scenarios if you are fine with buying something that is not the latest and greatest in the line-up. If you fit that niche, this machine will be hard to beat.
Overview and review of the Horizon fitness Comfort R bike
This is an overview of the Horizon fitness Comfort R bike including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was first published in Which Horizon fitness bike to get?
For the most up to date information and asking direct questions you can follow me on Instagram.
Related Articles
Which Horizon fitness treadmill to get?
Which Horizon fitness bike to get?
Which Horizon fitness elliptical to get?
Which Nordictrack treadmill to get?
Which Nordictrack elliptical to get?
Which Nordictrack bike to get?
Which Cardio Equipment to get from TITAN?
Which conditioning equipment to get from Rogue Fitness?
Overview of the Horizon Comfort R recumbent bike $779
The
comfort R recumbent bike is the one seated bikes from the Horizon line up. This is a good pick if you definitely need lumbar support when working out because you have a problem standing up for prolonged times. The full specifications of this bike are:
Frame Type: Step-Thru Recumbent
Pedal Type: Self Balancing pedals
Seat Type: Extra Large comfort seat with lumbar support
Seat Adjustment: Horizontal
Lumbar Support: Yes
Resistance System: ECB Magnetic Brake
Flywheel weight: 15.4 lbs / 7kg
Extras: Built-in speakers, Energy saver mode, Reading rack, Water bottle holder
Max user weight: 350
Weight: 99lbs
Assembled dimensions: 47 x 22 x 53
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
Pros of the Horizon Comfort R recumbent bike
-
Sit while you exercise
-
Sturdy frame
-
Good warranty
You can sit while you exercise on this bike with your back being supported. While mainly irrelevant when you do not need it it is a blessing when you are injured or just not able to exercise while standing. If you have a clinic or you had a severe injury to your back, hip, or leg, this might be the right machine for recovery. Sometimes it can also be nice just to be a little lazy and watch the television while keeping active.
HOrizon also offers good warranty options compared to their competitors and especially compared to anything you would buy from a no-name reseller on Amazon.
Cons of the Horizon Comfort R recumbent bike
This is a very big machine with very little impact. R
ecumbent bikes mainly cater to convenience while exercising rather than going hard after it. If you are a healthy athlete, especially creating a home gym, this is not really a great option unless you have your elderly parents living with you in the house. Commercial buyers might get two to four of these for beginners who need to lose weight, rehab clients or to cater to a broader audience.
Alternatives to the Horizon Comfort R recumbent bike
The
Horizon comfort U bike is an upright bike that creates a comfortable ride for the user. If you are still able to cycle without lumbar support but do not want to go too crazy then this is the right bike for you. This bike will take up less space in your home while addressing a smooth ride for you.
The
Nordictrack VU19 is the entry-level bike from Nordictrack which would form a good comparison model to the
Comfort U from Horizon. If Horizon fitness is low on stock or you want to compare similar competitors, give the
VU19 a look in your research.
The c
oncept 2 skierg can also be used for moderate exercise while standing. The biggest plus of this machine is that it does not have a big footprint. You can easily fit it against a wall or into a corner in your home. The noise out if this machine is also very low compared to treadmills.
The
Nordictrack VR25 is the direct comparison to the
Horizon recumbent bike is it provides lumbar support during the ride. If you want to compare apples and apples, but this also on your research list before making a decision to buy.
Conclusion for the Horizon Comfort R recumbent bike
The
Horizon R recumbent bike is a solid option for commercial buyers who want to extend their fleet to accommodate a broader audience. This machine will enable to also address rehab or overweight scenarios better than upright bikes. For most home gym users I personally think it is not a great option as it is bike and hard to store. In those scenarios, you might be better off with a walking treadmill that can be stored under the bed or a total gym.